February 2010

02/16/2010

Isn’t it amazing how sometimes life throws you a curve ball? Take for instance our recent snowstorm here in the northeast. Sure, we knew it was coming.All the newspapers and television channels predicted huge amounts of snowfall.Naturally, we ran to the grocery stores and stocked up for what surely would be an adventure. Best of all, the kids were looking forward to a couple days off from school. What we didn’t expect was a second snowstorm right behind it that quickly turned the fun into a national weather emergency.

This month’s Jen’s Jewels Maria Murnane chronicles that same kind of unexpected mayhem on the dating scene in her comical debut novel entitled PERFECT ON PAPER. Just in time for February, the month dedicated to love, I guarantee the misadventures of her hilarious main character Waverly Bryson will tickle you pink! Not to mention, you might pick up some dating do’s and don’ts along the way!

As part of this interview, AmazonEncore has donated five copies for you, my lucky readers, to win. So, don’t forget to look for the trivia question. And as always, thanks for making Jen’s Jewels a part of your reading adventure.

Jen: Since the conception of my column years ago, all of my Jen’s Jewels have been published by the major houses. Luckily for me, your manuscript came across my desk from the newly launched AmazonEncore line. For those readers not familiar with the program, Amazon finds self-published books that have been overlooked and re-introduces them to the public. Bravo for Amazon! They found a sparkling gem…PERFECT ON PAPER! How apropos! Let’s start by finding out more about you. Please fill us in on your educational and professional background.

Maria: Hi there- first of all, thanks so much for choosing to read my book! I really appreciate it. This is all so exciting, isn’t it? To answer your question, I majored in English and Spanish as an undergrad at UC Berkeley and also have master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from NorthwesternUniversity. Before I wrote PERFECT ON PAPER, I spent several years in public relations on the agency site.

Jen: As you mentioned, you had a career in PR just like your main character does in PERFECT ON PAPER, Waverly Bryson. At the time, what happened in your life that led to your writing this book?

Maria:I guess you could say that spending a good chunk of my twenties working and being single in San Francisco was what first got me thinking about it. It got to the point where I had so many funny stories running around in my head that I knew I could probably come up with a pretty good book. But I never had the time or mental energy to seriously pursue it.

Then one day I quit my job because I just didn’t want to be in PR anymore. It was scary to walk away from a career path I’d been on for so long, but I knew I had to make a change or I’d be miserable forever. I wasn’t ready to face the question of what to do next, so I bought a ticket to go to Argentina and Chile by myself for 2.5 weeks to practice my Spanish. After two weeks I had no desire to go home, so I got a job playing semi-pro soccer and decided to stay for a year. (Random, but true – I even got paid!) So there I was, living in Buenos Aires playing soccer, and one day I realized that if I was ever going to write the book I’d always talked about, that was the time. So I started writing and writing and writing, and eventually I had the first draft of what would become PERFECT ON PAPER.

Jen: A simple question but one I just have to ask, how did you come up with her name? (I love it!)

Maria: HA! I’m so happy to hear that, because I recently saw a review on Amazon where the reader said she hated the name Waverly so much that it literally ruined the entire book for her! I wanted to choose an unusual name for the main character, something that would really stand out in a good way. When I was in high school, a girl on my soccer team had a baby sister named Waverly, and I always thought it was such a cool name. Waverly (spelled Waverley) is also the name of a street in my hometown, which is sort of cool. So I picked Waverly and never looked back. The last name (Bryson) I made up because I thought it went well with Waverly, but then I found out that Bryson is also a street in my hometown. They don’t intersect though. Now THAT would be cool, and maybe even worth a misdemeanor to have those intersecting signs on display in my living room...

Jen: In terms of the format, each chapter starts with a Honey Note. First, please explain to my readers exactly what a Honey Note is. Secondly, what connection do they have with Waverly?

Maria: A Honey Note is a witty greeting card for female friends to send to each other “just because.” At first Waverly invents them as a way to help her manage the pain of a breakup, but soon they begin to reflect her insightful into much more than just romance. They appear throughout the book, and the ones at the beginning of each chapter represent the main theme of the chapter, for example:

Front: Ever feel like you don’t know anything at all?

Inside: Honey, congratulations. At least you finally know that.

Jen: The story centers on Waverly’s “misadventures” on the dating scene in San Francisco after being left at the altar. With her two girlfriends, Andie and McKenna, by her side, she tries to juggle her sports PR career with finding a suitable mate. In what ways does Waverly’s dissatisfaction in her personal life affect her attitude towards her job?

Maria: Waverly’s breakup with her perfect fiancé jolts her into realizing that the relationship she has with her career might not be so perfect either, even though she’s always been committed to it. She thought her personal life was going to be one way, and then it suddenly changes, just like that. It’s extremely painful, but it also teaches her that acknowledging that something isn’t a perfect fit isn’t a bad thing, especially if her heart isn’t in it. It takes her a while, but she finally sees that the old cliché is really true: Life is what you make of it.

Jen: Being an only child as well as motherless has taken a toll on Waverly. How does her rocky relationship with her less-than-perfect father affect her attitude towards men?

Maria: There’s a part in the book where Waverly finally realizes that she’s spent a lot of energy worrying about what the men in her life want, not what SHE wants. That’s probably why she ended up engaged to the wrong guy in the first place. Her dad’s inability to express how proud he is of her has clearly made her insecure on the romance front, but I also think it has shaped the way she interacts with her male friends and colleagues—albeit to a much lesser degree. On some level she expects all the men in her life to think she’s not quite good enough.

Jen: Words just cannot describe the importance of having a close circle of friends. Luckily for Waverly, her adorable sidekicks help keep her sane! Yet sometimes Waverly uses them as a crutch. Why does she tend to view herself as more imperfect rather than near perfect?

Maria: I think we can take the last sentence of the above answer and change the words “all the men” to “everyone.”

Jen: From one escapade to the next, I found myself laughing out loud all the way through the book. Waverly is one hysterical character! (My favorite scene was her girlfriend’s bathroom experience at the apartment party!) How much of this book is based on your real life?

Maria: I’m so glad that you laughed out loud!(You just made my day, btw.) The main plot of the book is completely made up, but many of the funny things that happen along the way did indeed happen to me or my friends. And yes, that includes the scene you mention above. But it wasn’t me—I swear!!

Jen: For a novel to be successful, it must have strong supporting characters. Without a doubt, you most certainly do! The character that was most intriguing to me was the loner, Brad Cantor. We all know a “Brad.”How does Waverly’s relationship with him mirror how she really feels about herself?

Maria: Ah, Brad. Such a nice guy, so socially awkward. I think Waverly is so annoyed by him because he genuinely likes her, and deep down she thinks that she’s not worth liking that much. Not that he’s not annoying, but he’s probably less so to people who aren’t as insecure around men as Waverly is. I loved how he eventually shows that there’s more to Brad Cantor than meets the eye.

Jen: As in every typical office environment, there is the barracuda hoping to chomp his or her way up the corporate ladder. In PERFECT ON PAPER, her name is Mandy. However, Waverly may hate to admit it, but she and this fierce fish do have much in common. In what similar ways are these two women struggling with their own inner demons?

Maria: Professionally, Waverly is accomplished and well-liked but is struggling to figure if she even wants a career in PR, while Mandy wants the career and is capable but is struggling with her interpersonal skills. Romantically, however, deep down neither of the two thinks she deserves to be loved. I like the dynamic between them because it shows how complex people can be, how a wrong first impression can taint an entire relationship, and how sometimes two people can be so similar in one way yet clash terribly in another. That last part can be true even between close friends.

Jen: I liked how you tied in superstar basketball player, Shane, and his wife, Kristina, with Waverly’s storyline. How does her brush with celebrity types help to keep her grounded especially when things start turning around?

Maria: I mentioned earlier how Waverly eventually begins to believe in herself and realize the truth of the “Life is what you make of it” adage. Her exposure to successful people who are doing just that reinforces that message, which she apparently needs to hear a billion times before it sinks in. But at least it finally does! J

Jen: Without giving too much away, what has Waverly’s zany adventures taught her about the importance of family and friends?

Maria:That Honey, if you have family and friends who love you, you are never alone!

Jen: The most important question of the interview… will there be a sequel? (I hope so!!)

Maria: Oh gosh, I don’t know! I would really love to write a sequel, so let’s cross our fingers that the first book does well enough to allow me to take the time to do that. Unfortunately, Waverly needs to eat!

Jen: Let’s switch gears and talk about your promotional plans. Do you have a website? Will you be participating in author phone chats? And if so, how would my readers go about scheduling one?

Maria: My Web site is www.mariamurnane.com, and I am more than happy to do author chats. Readers can email me through the site or send a note to mariaATmariamurnaneDOTcom. I love getting emails from readers and answer every single one.

Jen: What’s next for you? Will writing remain your full-time job?

Maria:Actually, so many readers asked me to make the Honey Notes for real that I decided to give it a try, and right now I’m in the middle of launching a line of products called Waverly’s Honey Shop! To start it includes Honey Notes just like the ones in the book, plus Honey Tees, Honey Hoodies and Honey Totes featuring witty quotes from Waverly. The past week I’ve been carrying a Honey Tote around that says “Is it worse to be fake or bitchy?” and a couple women have literally stopped me in my tracks to ask where I got it. How cool is THAT? The site is www.waverlyshoneyshop.com. I’m not sure if all the Honey products will be up there by the time this interview runs, but anyone who wants to order one can send me an email – I’ll hook them up!

Jen: Thank you so much for taking time to stop by and chat with my readers. I wish you the best of luck with your career. Thanks for sharing Waverly with all of my readers!

Maria: It was my pleasure. Thank you so much for inviting us! J

I hope you have enjoyed my interview with Maria. If you’re not snowed in, please stop by your favorite bookstore or library branch and pick up a copy today. Better yet, how would you like to win one? Okay, be one of the first five readers to e-mail me with the correct answer to the following question and you’ll win. Good luck!

Where can you buy Maria’s “Honey” products?

Next month, I will be bringing to you interviews with Lisa Kogan from O Magazine and Kate White editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan Magazine! You won’t want to miss it.

02/03/2010

Janie Doe is an eight year old whose life is less than ordinary. Living in a dysfunctional family in South Carolina, she does her best to cope with her unpleasant circumstances. With no father around, a mother coming apart at the seams, and a seventeen year old sister suffering from Down syndrome, her hopes and aspirations for living a normal life live quietly in her dreams.When her mother Priscilla discovers that she is unexpectedly pregnant, she decides to take the family on a road trip in order to clear her mind. With no job or means in which to support her family, she packs up her daughters with her mother and father in tow and heads nowhere in particular in hopes of coming to terms with the unfortunate hand that she has been dealt. As life sometimes does, she makes a full circle by heading back home to her childhood house. Upon her arrival, she reconnects with her brother Pastor Fritz which helps fill the familial void she’s been carrying around for the better part of her life. Hoping to find Janie’s dad Harlan so that they can once again become a family, she embarks on a journey to put her life back in order. Within no time, Priscilla makes peace with her new set of circumstances. With a new job and a roof above her head, she finally feels as if she can provide a nurturing home for her girls. If only she could turn back the clock and do away with her unwanted pregnancy. Then, her life would be complete. Yet, would destroying an innocent unborn baby’s life in order to better provide for the children nestled in her arms truly be unjust? SAVING CICADAS is a powerful novel by the very talented Low country author Nicole Seitz who dares to ask the question about the validity of an unborn child’s right to life. Through vivid and unforgettable characters, she reminds us all of the sheer beauty in the miracle of life. From start to finish, Seitz’s story is truly a gem.

The cat always knows the truth.The day Oscar arrived at the Steere House Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Rhode Day can be best equated as to the moment this extraordinary feline hit the kitty lottery. From lazy afternoons relaxing in warm sunbeams to scrumptious treats secretly stolen from unsuspecting humans, Oscar indeed has the best of both worlds. A loving environment in which to live plus a caring group of individuals who know best when to leave this curious cat alone, Oscar lives every cat’s dream life.Dr. David Dosa is no ordinary man. Being a physician at Steere House, an Alzheimer’s facility, comes with its daily challenges. Not only must he provide exemplary care for his suffering patients, but also he must help their loved ones come to terms with the harsh realities of this debilitating disease. As he witnesses his patients slowly losing their memories, he takes pride in knowing that Steere House is doing everything within their means to make their residents’ last days as peaceful as possible. So when he hears that Oscar may just have a special gift, Dr. Dosa decides to investigate. According to the rumor mill, when the time comes for patients to die, Oscar comforts them by lying down by their side until they pass. Not only does he guide them to their next journey, but also he provides solace for their families left behind. As a man of medicine, Dr. Dosa has his doubts. Yet by hearing the stories from those that have benefited from his gift as well as witnessing it himself, the Doubting Thomas doctor eventually becomes a firm believer. MAKING ROUNDS WITH OSCAR is a feel-good book that takes the sadness associated with such a horrible disease and turns it into a tiny ray of sunshine. From heartwarming stories of love and devotion to helpful tips for learning to cope, Dr. Dosa brilliantly gives those suffering with Alzheimer’s a voice with which to be heard.

David Dosa, M.D.Growing old is something most people don’t like to think about, no matter what their age. Sure, retirement does sound appealing. Sleeping in late and watching glorious sunsets. No worries, just ample time to lazily enjoy precious moments with your spouse. Yet for some, with age comes the telltale signs that something more serious is happening. Simple occurrences like misplacing keys and not remembering familiar places become the norm. All too often, these are the beginning stages of a debilitating disease called Alzheimer’s. This month’s Jen’s Jewels Dr. David Dosa has experienced firsthand the devastating effects of dementia. In his debut novel, MAKING ROUNDS WITH OSCAR, he shares with us the incredible story of a cat named Oscar who changed his life forever. For those of you with loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s, this book is a must-read. And, for those of you who are just curious, you won’t be disappointed. Truly, this is a story that needs to be told.As part of this interview, Hyperion Books has generously donated five copies for you, my lucky readers, to win. So, don’t forget to look for the trivia question at the end. And as always, thanks for making Jen’s Jewels a part of your reading adventure. Jen: In order for a book to be exemplary, it must take the reader on a journey to a place where unknown truths and miraculous discoveries are made. MAKING ROUNDS WITH OSCAR epitomizes the essence of a feel-good book with just the right blend of compassion and courage. So that my readers may have a better understanding of the man behind the words, please give us a glimpse into your educational and professional background.Dr. Dosa:I’d first like to thank you for inviting me to participate in this Question and Answer and for your interest in my book. Writing this book has been an incredible journey for me—and the finished product is meaningful to me on many levels. My wife is now the caregiver for a family member with dementia and, in part, I tried to write a book that she could read to better understand the disease that she was confronting. Obviously, though, there is a lot of Oscar in the book….I am a trained geriatrician and internist. For those who may not know, a geriatrician is a specialist who focuses on the care of the elderly. Despite the aging population, there really aren’t many of us—only about 6500 by the last count I saw. The biggest difference between being an internist and a geriatrician is the particular focus on improving quality of life for patients with multiple chronic medical conditions. I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia where I did a fair amount of creative writing and journalism in addition to biology. After settling on medicine as a career path, I attended medical School at the George Washington University in Washington DC and then trained—first as an internist and then as a geriatrician at the University of Pittsburgh. While there, I also received my Masters in Public Health. Since finishing my training in 2003, I have been on the faculty at Brown University in Providence RI where I conduct health services research; teach medical students and residents, and see patients in a variety of different environments. When I’m not working I try to spend as much time as I can with my wife and two children—ages 5 and 3.Jen: In the beginning of the book, you discuss openly how becoming a pediatrician runs in your family, yet you chose to be a geriatrician. What attracted you to this field?Dr. Dosa:There have been a number of pediatricians in my family. While I love the field, I always felt that pediatricians deal with blank canvases---little patients with bright futures ahead of them but few stories to tell. Geriatrics has always appealed to me on a certain level because of the patients and their life stories. You need only listen to a veteran of World War II to become instantly transfixed. I’m constantly learning from my patients and that makes the experience of caring for them all the more rewarding. Caring for patients with multiple medical problems is also complex and challenging. On a different level, I’ve also always been fascinated by geriatrics because of the public health questions. We are definitely coming to a crisis point in our society where the aging baby boomers are upon us and our ability to care for them under the current system is severely limited. We are completely unprepared to meet their medical needs and finding ways to provide high quality care under these circumstances is intellectually fascinating to me. Jen: Playing the cards we are dealt is not easy, especially when a chronic disease is involved. As my readers know, I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at the age of eight. You, too, suffer from arthritis. Let’s talk about how you have adapted your successful career to incorporate your fight with the nation’s #1 crippling disease. And, in what ways has it changed your outlook in terms of helping your patients cope with pain and suffering?Dr. Dosa:I am sorry to hear about your arthritis—I don’t wish that on anyone—certainly not someone in their childhood. There are certainly days when battling arthritis is tough. As you mention, I’ve had inflammatory psoriatic arthritis since my mid-twenties and there have been low points in my life when I’ve let the pain and discomfort get to me. Nevertheless, by experiencing those low points, I’ve also become a better person, and a better doctor. When you have uncertainty in your own health, you become better at prioritizing what is important in your life. Since, I’ve developed arthritis, I can honestly say that I’ve started living my life rather than letting it slip by. As a physician, I’ve also come to understand my patient’s needs better and my patience for their concerns and their uncertainty has also increased. Jen: MAKING ROUNDS WITH OSCAR centers on your experiences as a physician at Steere House. First of all, what circumstance led to you accepting a position there? Dr. Dosa:Steere House is just part of what I do—I also do research—but my position there came about because of my interest in nursing homes and their residents. Most of my research focuses on improving the quality of care that we deliver to frail nursing home residents and it has always been important to me to maintain a foothold clinically in the nursing home world. It’s hard to do research when you don’t have that clinical reality check of what life is really like in that environment.Jen: Tacking onto that last question, please describe for us the role of the facility, its location, and its overall goals in terms of patient care.Dr. Dosa:I am actually just one of the 4 or 5 doctors on the staff at Steere House. I have no special role there other than the fact that I maintain a handful of patients in the nursing home. The facility itself is located next door to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. As a facility, Steere House is clearly a special place. While you can get good and bad care at any nursing home, Steere House is one of those homes where you would want a parent or spouse if push came to shove. They pride themselves on being “more of a home—than a nursing home” and this is exemplified in part by their commitment to animals—they have 6 cats, and several birds—which lend a homey atmosphere to the place. They also pride themselves on their staffing and commitment to providing the best care that they possibly can given the economic realities of nursing home care.Jen: A question I am sure my readers will want to know, what is the average rate of availability for a room in this facility? And, how has the release of your book affected this wait time? Dr. Dosa:I’m not sure what the book will do in terms of wait times for “rooms at the inn”, but I know the New England Journal essay I wrote about Oscar in 2007 certainly made a splash. Thankfully, if anything, it has only increased the popularity of the nursing home. Caregivers generally like the idea of animals like Oscar being on the job. Jen: Without further ado, let’s talk about Oscar as well as his five fellow companion cats. First of all, how did the notion of having animals in the facility come about? And, how do they attribute to the overall well-being of the residents? Dr. Dosa: Steere House made a commitment to animals many years ago. I’d like to say that they made this commitment based on the benefits of having an animal companion program but truthfully—it mostly occurred due to a cat named Henry. When the current building was being built, an unnamed cat was known to frequent the construction site. Shortly after the building was dedicated, said cat wondered into the nursing home and sat down in the lobby. Despite best efforts, he refused to leave. Eventually, the staff got tired of shooing him out of the nursing home and decided to just let him stay. They named him Henry—after the building’s benefactor and the facility’s animal program officially commenced. We now know from numerous studies that animal companion programs can be incredibly beneficial to nursing home patients—with and without dementia. They help to reduce depression and decrease agitation rates. Eventually, Henry died—but the nursing home was not the same without him. After a brief mourning period, the nursing home adopted 6 cats to replace the one—Oscar being one of them. I’m often asked how the animals affect resident well-being. I think they just make the place homier. So many of us own pets during our lives but yet we make our health care facilities sterile places. The animals contribute a lot to the patients. Those that don’t have dementia certainly enjoy spending time with the animals. Even those with dementia—who might not be able to tell us—seem to get a lift from having animals around. Perhaps our closeness to animals is something innate rather than learned and therefore impervious to the affects of Alzheimer’s disease.Jen: Being a cat owner, I can attest as to their innate ability to be able to sense when their owner is in need. Describe for us Oscar’s abilities and how they were discovered.Dr. Dosa:Oscar was not all that friendly at first. He generally kept to himself choosing to hide in quiet corners or under beds rather than sitting out in plain site. This continued till he was about 6 months. Then his behavior started to change. Occasionally you would find Oscar out in the open—sitting with a patient. It took us all a little time to figure out what he was doing. At first we just thought he was sitting with residents who didn’t bother him. But each time he came out of hiding, the residents that he sat with died shortly thereafter. It was uncanny and definitely eye opening. I’d like to say I was the first one to notice Oscar’s ability but I wasn’t. Truthfully I was one of the last. Jen: In the beginning, you were Oscar’s Doubting Thomas. Naturally, being a physician you needed concrete evidence in order to prove Oscar’s abilities. Please describe for us your “Ah! Ha!” moment when you finally realized that Steele House’s very own cat was indeed special.Dr. Dosa: The “ah ha” moment for me came during a time when there were two patients in their final stages of dying at opposite ends of the unit. We all thought one of those patients was going to go first and some people on the unit became upset that Oscar’s streak of predicting deaths was going to end. One of the aids went looking for him and found him with the other patient. She picked up the bewildered cat and brought him down to the other room so he could “be with the sicker patient who was going to die first”. As soon as she put him down, Oscar looked at everyone like they were all crazy and sprinted back to the first room. Oscar was right….the other patient died later that evening faster than any of us could possibly have predicted. The “sicker” patient rebounded and lived several more days. Nevertheless, 4 hours before the patient finally died, Oscar walked into the room and curled up next to him.Jen: Every main character needs a great supporting cast in order to perpetuate the story. Let’s talk about your proverbial right arm, Mary. In what ways are she and Oscar alike? And, how do both of them attribute to your success in making Steere House a better place?Dr. Dosa: Mary was very much the glue that held the third floor together for many years. I use past tense because, unfortunately, Mary has moved on to a different nursing home. We all definitely miss her at Steere House. Having thoughtful caring nurses like Mary is critically important in any care environment—I dare say even more important than having a good doctor. When Mary said something about a patient, I learned to trust her without question. She was also the maternal figure on the unit—the patients on the unit were all her “children.” Family members also came to rely on her to be their loved one’s advocate when they were not around. Some have speculated that Oscar is just patterning behavior. If so, then he learned from one of the best in Mary. Jen: As you explain in the foreword, some of the names of patients described in the book have been changed in order to protect their privacy. The story that touched me the most was the Rubensteins’. At the point when Ruth could no longer recognize her husband due to her advanced stage of Alzheimer’s, Frank chose to never return to Steere House. Is this common? And, how do you help patients’ families come to terms with harsh realities of the disease?Dr. Dosa:Frank and Ruth’s story comprise one of the emotional backbones of the book. Perhaps the book’s denouement occurs when Frank leaves the nursing home despite his staunch advocacy for his wife to that point. I think that this episode in the book says more about the horrors of Alzheimers than any other. Many caregivers talk about the notion of death before physical death. Jack McCullough uses the phrase “The Woman upstairs who looks like my mother.” Other characters in the book talk about the need to embrace the new normal. Unfortunately, this is what Alzheimer’s does and caregivers come to the realization at different speeds. Some caregivers adapt to this reality better than others. My sense is that Frank left because he could not bear what the disease has done to his wife. As long as there was an ounce of recognition, Frank could continue to remain her staunchest ally. When that recognition faded, perhaps it was time for Frank to simply let go. As I say in the epilogue of the book—the final act of love is “letting go.” Some people just do this in different ways. Jen: Without getting into the pros and cons of health care reform, in your opinion, what is missing in terms of essential care needed for patients suffering from Alzheimer’s?Dr. Dosa: Our health care system does a terrible job of caring for patients with chronic diseases like Alzheimer’s. We have a system that is based on acute care. Doctors are reimbursed for doing things—rather than limiting treatments, even when the latter is the better option. We also buy into the myth of the acute care hospital: when we are sick acute care hospitals can make us better. Unfortunately, that is sometimes the worst place to go if you are a patient with dementia. Hospitals are just plain understaffed, and even at times uninterested in adequately caring for patients with dementia. Their chief goal is getting patients in and out (to maximize revenue) and patients with dementia take longer to get better. So if you are an Alzheimer’s caregiver, my advice to you is to become an advocate for high quality care. Seek out the doctors who will tell you how it is—rather than the doctors who seem to disappear when there are no more procedures or tests to do. Make sure your parent or loved ones gets the attention they deserve when they are admitted to the hospital. Jen: Finally, how is Oscar doing today? Has his sudden stardom changed the way in which he lives? And, have the two of you bonded in your own way?Dr. Dosa: Oscar is doing fine—I left him the other day sitting on a window looking at the world go by outside. I truly think that is his favorite activity (other than perhaps lying down in a sunbeam). I don’t think that his stardom has affected him in any way—but I will say that our relationship has improved. Recently—he even let me hold him when a photographer came to snap pictures---a far cry from my first experience with him when he bit me. Perhaps I am finally getting over that fear I had of cats growing upJJen: I must admit. As a reviewer, many great books come across my desk; however, MAKING ROUNDS WITH OSCAR is in a class all by itself. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary story with my readers. And most especially, thank you for giving those suffering with Alzheimer’s a voice with which to be heard.Dr. Dosa: Again, thank you for taking an interest in the book. I hope readers will come away from this book embracing the mystery of Oscar and what he does. In the end, I suppose it really doesn’t matter why he does what he does. The important thing is that he does it and his presence serves as a comfort to caregivers at difficult times in their lives. Of all the interviews I have done to date, I have to say that this one touched me the most. I hope you agree. Please stop by our local library branch or favorite book store today and pick up a copy of MAKING ROUNDS WITH OSCAR. In the back of the book, there are some invaluable words of advice for helping families cope when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Now it’s time for the contest. If you would like your very own copy of MAKING ROUNDS WITH OSCAR, be one of the first five readers to e-mail me at jensjewels@gmail.com with the correct answer to the following trivia question and you will win! Good luck!What was the name of the very first cat to live at Steere House?Later this month, I will be bringing to you my interview with Maria Murnane, author of the hilarious debut novel PERFECT ON PAPER. You won’t want to miss it!Until next time…Jen

Gretchen RubinHappiness is an ambiguous term. How can we truly define what this word means without taking into account all of the various components in our lives? For example, if we are healthy, debt-free, and generally like our jobs, does this mean we have achieved supreme happiness? I don’t know. I would think so, but then again, maybe we are missing the essential core that leads to sheer contentment.This month’s Jen’s Jewels Gretchen Rubin takes this question to task in her latest release called, but of course …THE HAPPINESS PROJECT. Over a year’s time, she implemented her unique plan to track her own level of happiness by using innovative strategies and simple gauges to determine if she was living what Oprah would call “her best life.” Without a doubt, if you are looking for ways to enrich your life, this book is for you!As part of this interview, Harper Collins Publishers has donated five copies for you, my lucky readers, to win. So, don’t forget to look for the trivia question at the end. As you continue on your journey towards health and happiness in 2010, I thank you for making Jen’s Jewels a part of your reading adventure. Jen: The path to publication is oftentimes as fascinating as the project itself. So that my readers may have a better understanding of the woman behind the words, please tell us a little bit about your educational and professional background.Gretchen: I went to Yale undergrad and then attended Yale Law School, but it was when I was clerking for Sandra Day O’Connor that I realized I wanted to be a writer.Jen: Being editor-in-chief of the Yale Law Journal whet your appetite for a possible career in publishing. While serving in this position, what was the most challenging task that came across your desk? And, what steps did you take in order to be successful? Gretchen: The biggest challenge in working for the Yale Law Journal was managing a large group of very independent people, and in order to be successful I worked as hard as I could!Jen: In 1995 as a recent law school graduate, you had the amazing opportunity to clerk for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Please describe for us the selection process. And, what was the toughest hurdle you had to clear in order to obtain this position?Gretchen: The selection process was extensive. You submit transcripts and recommendations, and if you make it through the first cut, you get an interview. The interview was the hardest part – the toughest hurdle to clear – for that position. Jen: After leaving that position, you served as chief adviser to the Federal Communications Commission. Also, you lectured at both the Yale Law School and the Yale School of Management. How did these experiences positively contribute to your decision to actively pursue a career in publishing?Gretchen: They showed me that as much fun as I was having in these other jobs in law, I really wanted to be a writer.Jen: Tacking onto my last question, describe for us your “Ah! Ha!” moment which ultimately changed your life.Gretchen: Walking around the Capitol grounds during lunch hour while I was clerking, I suddenly realized that I wanted to be a writer. At that time, I was writing a book in my free time, and I realized I could make writing a career instead of treating it as a hobby. The book I was working at that time eventually was published as my book, Power Fame Money Sex: A User’s Guide. Jen: In terms of your publishing career, you have written bestselling books on Winston Churchill and John F. Kennedy. What were the most fascinating tidbits of information you discovered while researching these two great historical figures?Gretchen: I couldn’t possibly narrow it down to just a few items! I picked these two figures because they’re overwhelmingly fascinating and surprising. There are hundreds of fascinating tidbits! Jen: Your latest endeavor is quite appropriate for this time of year of resolutions and new beginnings. Please describe for us the catalyst that propelled you to embark on THE HAPPINESS PROJECT.Gretchen: I had an epiphany on a rainy afternoon, on a crowded city bus. “The days are long, but the years are short,” I realized. “Time is passing, and I’m not focusing enough on the things that really matter.” In that moment, I decided to dedicate a year to my happiness project.Jen: You start off the project by listing your twelve commandments. How did you go about choosing them? And, what relevance do they have to the implementation of the project?Gretchen: I arrived at them after a lot of research and thinking. They were the guiding principles that pervaded my happiness project beyond the individual resolutions that I tried to follow. Jen: The project took place over a year. Please describe it for us.Gretchen: Quite simply, I set a theme for each month, with a set of specific resolutions to carry out.Jen: I had to chuckle when I read about your frustration with keeping a gratitude journal. My experience mirrored yours. I gave up, too! What are some realistic expectations that one can achieve by pursuing this endeavor?Gretchen: Boosting gratitude for your ordinary life will make you happier. If a gratitude journal doesn’t work for you, find other ways. Every time I sit down at the computer, I take a moment to appreciate my ordinary life. Jen: As a reviewer, I was impressed with your willingness to confront criticism when you received a not-so-flattering review and then turned it into a teachable moment to make yourself better. How is a person’s willingness to confront adversity a stepping stone towards reaching happiness?Gretchen: You’re right. It’s not much fun but it’s important to do. Facing up to the challenges that life offers is an important part of striving toward happinessJen: What was your greatest self-discovery from completing this project?Gretchen: One of my most important realizations was that I can only build a happy life on the foundation of my own nature. For that reason, my resolution to “Be Gretchen” is the most important one I identified. Jen: Let’s switch gears and talk about your superb website. Please share with us the resources you have available that enable anyone to start a happiness project.Gretchen: My website has a guide of sorts to start your own happiness project: http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/start-.html. I’ve also started a “Happiness Project Toolbox” where you can launch your own Happiness Project: http://www.happinessprojecttoolbox.com/ .Jen: Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to stop by and chat with my readers. I look forward to seeing you on the road to happiness in 2010.Gretchen: Thanks! Now that you have read about Gretchen, I hope you are inspired to begin your own happiness project for 2010. I encourage you to stop by your favorite bookstore or local library branch and pick up a copy of THE HAPPINESS PROJECT today!Better yet, how would you like to win your very own copy? Okay, be one of the first five readers to e-mail me at jensjewels@gmail.com with the correct answer to the following trivia question and it’s yours!What is the title of Gretchen’s first book? In February, I will be bringing to you my interview with David Dosa, M.D., author of the extraordinary true-life story MAKING ROUNDS WITH OSCAR. You won’t want to miss it.Until next time…Jen